EVBox Group to equip Bridgestone sites with EV chargers
Bridgestone has made a deal with EVBox to install EV charging stations across the tire specialist’s retail network in the next five years. The partners plan 3,500 AC and DC charge points in France and Italy before expanding into the UK, Germany, Poland, Spain, and other European countries.
The announcement speaks of AC chargers, specifying charging capacity at 22 kW. However, for the DC options, also mentioned as part of the planning, EVBox or Bridgestone have yet to specify the power. EVBox’ DC portfolio ranges from 50 kW for the ‘Troniq 50’ to the ‘Ultroniq’ charging station capable of delivering up to 350 kW.
For positioning, Bridgestone says the new charging stations must be installed at “strategic locations accessible to all EV drivers, including private and fleet vehicles.” The company also names high-demand routes without going into further detail.
EVBox Group’s partner TSG will take the lead in installing and maintaining the EVBox infrastructure across Bridgestone’s European retail and service network. TSG and EVBox had agreed to work together regularly in February this year when the French service provider announced to offer charging solutions including installation and on-site services for the Dutch company in 30 countries across greater Europe.
For Bridgestone and EVBox, the partnership will also give drivers access to the charging network managed by EVBox. The Dutch group says that it includes over 130,000 public charging points to date. Using an EVBox account, users can manage charging sessions, payments, and invoicing through one platform.
What’s more, Bridgestone says it will also begin offering residential EV charging stations by EVBox, including installation, at its retail locations, saying this was strengthening its commitment to e-mobility.
Bridgestone was involved early on when it delivered purpose-built tires for the BMW i8 PHEV in 2014. Today, the company stated its intention again “to develop premium tires and sustainable technologies that meet the specific requirements of EVs.”
In 2020, Bridgestone also made it onto the initial customer list for the T-Pod EV made by Einride as reported. The electric truck is designed for autonomous operation, but we have yet to hear of deliveries.
Bridgestone in Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa (Bridgestone EMIA) is headquartered in Zaventem, Belgium, and says it employs more than 20,000 people and conducts business in 40 countries.
The EVBox Group was founded in 2010 in the Netherlands and runs facilities in Europe and North America, specialising in electric vehicle charging equipment.
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